EMEP provides sound scientific support to the Convention, in particular in the areas of: atmospheric monitoring and modeling; emission inventories and emission projections; and integrated assessment. As the source of information on the emission, transport and deposition of air pollution, EMEP plays a major role in informing policy developments under the Convention.

The information EMEP provides to Governments relates to the deposition and concentration of air pollutants, as well as to the quantity and significance of the long-range transmission of air pollutants and fluxes across boundaries. Information on the relative importance of local and distant sources also guides national authorities in setting appropriate local and regional permissible emission levels, taking into account the international implications of these levels. In addition, information on the deposition and concentrations of air pollutants are a basis for abatement strategies in the regions affected.

In 2004, an EMEP Assessment Report was published, describing the development of long-range transboundary air pollution in Europe since the start of EMEP in 1977. The full report can be found here.

EMEP Steering Body - Structure

The EMEP Steering Body is the supervisory body to the EMEP programme. It is composed of representatives of scientific authorities of Parties to the Convention. The EMEP Steering Body meets annually and reports to the Executive Body on its activities. In collaboration with the Working Group on Effects, the EMEP Steering Body represents the main scientific and technical subsidiary bodies that provide the Convention with technical support on how to achieve environmental goals in a cost-effective way.

The Bureau of the EMEP Steering Body functions as an intersessional forum to the EMEP Steering Body. The Bureau is elected by the Steering Body and meets with the representatives of the task forces and programme centres to make strategic proposals regarding the workplan and budget for EMEP.

In order to harmonize workplans and to coordinate activities, the EMEP Steering Body and the Working Group on Effects as well as their Bureaux have annual joint meetings.